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MIKE HOLMES BLOG

Why You Need A Home Maintenance Inspection

By Mike Holmes

Mike’s Advice / Home Safety & Maintenance

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 @ 11:16am

DO YOU REALLY NEED A HOME INSPECTION?

 

I always recommend getting a home inspection whether you are looking to maintain, buy, sell or renovate. I’ve met homeowners who avoided inspections to “save money” and ended up paying tens of thousands later. Water damage, mold, structural issues—these don’t happen overnight. They build up quietly. That’s why a home maintenance inspection is money well-spent.

Buying a home without getting an inspection is not a good idea. But waiting for something to go wrong while you are living in your house is also not wise. Don’t wait for something to go wrong. Be proactive. Hire qualified professionals. Ask questions. Get reports. And fix things properly the first time.

 

Why You Need A Home Maintenance Inspection

A home maintenance inspection is a proactive, no-nonsense assessment of how a home is really performing, not just whether it “looks fine.”

In my world, it’s about finding problems before they turn into expensive repairs. It ensures your home is safe, durable, and built to last. A home maintenance inspection catches issues that may turn into bigger problems down the road.

A maintenance inspection focuses on long-term performance and prevention. The most expensive home repairs usually start as small, hidden issues that could’ve been caught early with a proper home maintenance inspection.

You’ll have time to understand your home, such as:

  • Why is something failing?

  • What happens if it’s ignored?

  • How do you fix it properly—not temporarily?

If you don’t look for problems, you won’t find them—until they find you.

why home inspection

What Will My Home Inspection Uncover?

A regular maintenance inspection helps you:

  • Catch problems early (when they’re cheaper to fix)
  • Protect your investment—your home is likely your biggest asset
  • Improve safety for your family
  • Extend the life of systems like roofing, HVAC, and plumbing
  • Plan repairs instead of reacting to emergencies

This proactive inspection service focuses on the systems and components that often experience the most stress and most likely to experience wear and tear over time, including:

Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, preventative home maintenance is key to preserving your home’s value, improving efficiency, and protecting your family’s comfort and safety.

You want to hire someone who’s an experienced and qualified professional. They should be providing a detailed inspection report.

RELATED: Common Issues A Home Inspection Uncovers

How Often Should I Get a Home Maintenance Inspection?

I recommend a full home maintenance inspection every 1–2 years, and more often if:

  • Your home is older
  • You’ve recently had extreme weather
  • You’re planning renovations
  • You’re noticing changes—drafts, smells, higher energy bills

Advantages of a Home Maintenance Inspection

  • Detect minor issues before they become expensive problems
  • Improve the efficiency and lifespan of major systems
  • Plan ahead with a preventative maintenance strategy
  • Stay organized with a centralized home management app called the Holmes Maintenance Program

 

Mike Holmes Inspections
Mike Holmes Inspections

You can get a home maintenance inspection from qualified Mike Holmes Inspectors. I started Mike Holmes Inspections 10 years ago because I wanted homeowners to see the real value of home inspections done to the highest standards by a team of expertly trained and certified professionals. If you want to Buy It Right, Sell It Right, or Own It Right, you need reliable and trusted information to guide you during (likely) the largest purchase decisions of your life. Together, we can Make it Right.

 

Mike Holmes Inspection services are offered in Canada. You can CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-563-5699 or visit the website

 

 

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